Judge Halts Referendum On Proposed Camden County Police Department

By David Madden

CAMDEN, NJ (CBS) - A Camden superior court judge has put a temporary hold on plans for a voter referendum that could derail the city's plan to replace its municipal police force with a new department run by Camden County.

Judge Faustino Fernandez-Vina scheduled arguments next month on the bid by Mayor Dana Redd and City Council President Frank Moran to derail the referendum or action by council beforehand.

READ: Camden Officials, Residents Spar Over Proposed County Police Department

"She wants to assure the public safety of Camden residents and this has been her top priority since the beginning," says mayoral spokesman Robert Corrales.

Approving the referendum would not only bind Redd and future mayors as they see it, it would also put vital state subsidies in jeopardy.

Those seeking this referendum see the lawsuit as a way to impose political will on popular sentiment.

"We're going to let the legal process run its course," says FOP President John Williamson. "We do have other plans, just in case," including an appeal, should the temporary restraining order be made permanent.